SPORTS SPOTLIGHT: Melody Bennett finally off and running

Thursday

May 8, 2014 at 12:00 PM

Melody Bennett ran her first 5K race last year, an experience that inspired her to register for an upcoming 10K across the Bay Bridge, and the Mad Anthony Half-Marathon this fall. She also joined the YMCA’s Choose 2 Lose competition in January — and won. The Waynesboro native said running has changed her life for the better in many ways — mentally, emotionally and physically.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second in a series of spotlights on participants in Renfrew Institute’s (RI) annual Salamander Scramble 5K. The race, entering its seventh year, is an important fundraiser for the Institute, and is held on July 4 in conjunction with the Firecracker 5K.

WAYNESBORO — Melody Bennett ran her first 5K race last year, an experience that inspired her to register for an upcoming 10K across the Bay Bridge, and the Mad Anthony Half-Marathon this fall. She also joined the YMCA’s Choose 2 Lose competition in January — and won. The Waynesboro native said running has changed her life for the better in many ways — mentally, emotionally and physically.

Q&A with Melody Bennett

1. How long have you been a runner, and how long have you been involved with the Salamander Scramble?I ran track in high school, but only sprints and hurdles, not distance running. Since then, running was something I always wanted to do, and tried to do countless times but failed.When I signed up for the Couch to 5K last year, it was my “one last try,” even though I was convinced I couldn’t do it. But I listened to Ashlyn and Michelle (fitness trainers Ashlyn Shockey and Michelle Benshoff) and found out I had been trying to do too much too soon. When I rested as they instructed, and paced myself, I began to feel stronger. Last year’s Salamander Scramble was my first, but I will be running with Team Salamander again this year.

2. Are other family members involved, too?My husband, Mike, and my 17-year-old twin sons, Austin and Sawyer support my running, and come to events to cheer me on.

3. What is your relationship with Renfrew Institute?I grew up in Waynesboro and have gone to the park for many years, fishing and hiking. Later, I always went on field trips to Renfrew Institute school programs with my boys. In addition, my sister, Traci Walizer, is very active with the institute’s Youth Festival, and we usually attend that event, which is a lot of fun. My son, Austin has volunteered with the Pumpkin Festival, helping to launch pumpkins on the trebuchet.

4. What motivated you to join the team?I became a team member when I signed up for the Couch to 5K. I wanted to prove to myself that I could do this, and to teach my kids that if you really want something badly enough, you can find a way to do it. Michelle and Ashlyn really helped to keep me motivated.My main motivation for continuing to run is that it makes me feel better in all aspects of my life. Running has helped with so much more than just my body—it’s all about feeling better, physically, mentally and emotionally. It’s a journey, and if my story inspires just one person, I’ll be happy.

5. Do you have a personal goal in completing the 5K this year?Last year I finished the race in 37 minutes. Up until that day, I had never run for more than five consecutive minutes. But Michelle ran along with me for the entire race, which was amazing. She is a runner, but she took her event, and turned it into mine. Her support helped me to keep going the whole way.It was a huge revelation for me to run for that long, and I realized I’d been holding back on what my strength really was. This proved to me that I could do it.I am super-excited to run again this year and see how much time I can shave off from last year. My goal is 10 minutes faster, but at least under 30 minutes.

6. What do you like best about Team Salamander membership?Joining the team is what got me beyond the stopping points in my past efforts to run. I enjoyed the training sessions with CFAR members like Bob Correll, who helped me set goals and encouraged me not to give up. On race day, I was surprised to see how huge Team Salamader was when we took the group photo. I am looking forward to this year’s race.———Registration is open now to join “Team Salamander”—team members run, walk, or “scramble” over the 5K course to raise funds for Renfrew Institute. All ages and fitness levels are welcome.Team Salamander’s logo was custom-designed for the event by local artist, Tom McFarland.For more information or to sign up for Team Salamander, call the Institute at 762-0373 or email to: info@renfrewinstitute.org. Information and registration forms are also available online at www.renfrewinstitute.org.

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